Friday, July 31, 2009

Commentary - What’s next for Kirani?

by Michael Bascombe - Grenada

The future of world junior track star Kirani James and the next move in his aspiring track career have been the subject of much discussion over the past few months.

The debate is worthwhile since it has brought several issues to the fore. Among them are the challenges James could face if he is over-exposed at an early age. Another is his choice of when and where to attend college.

Kirani James is considered a huge asset to Grenada and the entire Caribbean. While I support every effort to get him the best education, I do not support the view that he should begin college at the age of 16. His youth coupled with the rigorous track programme in the United States college system (running every weekend which he has not done before) may be too much for him.

A good choice is to have James spend another year in Grenada developing both his physical and mental stamina. In addition, he has a good coach at home and has shown consistent improvement every year. One of our common mistakes is the tendency to change coaches too soon especially when our athletes are doing well under one coach.

This raises the question of where should Kirani James go? One possibility is Texas A&M University. The reason: One of our most celebrated track athlete and recently famed sportsman, Alleyne Francique is now a track coach at Texas A&M University. In his first year as part of Pat Henry’s coaching staff, Francique won both men’s and women’s team titles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. This option will allow James to benefit from a perennial track programme and the mentoring of someone with a shared national and cultural background. As such, James’ attendance at Texas A&M University is an option which could be considered in the future.

Another possible training centre being discussed is Jamaica. However, their programme may not help this young athlete since they are not producing good 400m runners. Clearly, their structure is not very promising in that event.

If moving abroad is a must, then a junior college in the USA might help as there won’t be too much pressure to race every week, and there’ll be less fear of burn out.

While we glow in the spotlight of Kirani James, let us consider what assistance we should provide to Rondell Bartholomew, another 400m competitor, who is equally talented. Bartholomew, James, Joel Redhead and Joel Phillip could be a formidable quartet for a future 4x400m relay team.

James’ coach, Albert Joseph, has done a tremendous job with him so far and efforts should be made to get him to the next level of coaching. A scholarship at St. George’s University would also help in his education.

This is the time for the coach, athlete, parents and sports officials to sit down and determine the right option for this young treasure from the Spice Isle.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Grenada's PM to give National Address

ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, THURSDAY, JULY 30th, 2009_ Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas, will address the nation this evening on matters of national importance.

The Prime Minister will update the nation on the government’s management of the country and the progress of discussions with Canada on the removal of the visa restriction.

The national address will be carried on radio, television and streamed on the internet from 8.00pm this evening.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister

Monday, July 27, 2009

BANGLADESH GO ONE UP IN DIGICEL SERIES AFTER CLINICAL WIN

By Imran Khan

ROSEAU, Dominica - Despite a five wicket bowling performance from the exciting Barbadian pacer Kemar Roach, Bangladesh spoiled the Dominican party when they cruised to a handsome 52 run victory over the West Indies in the first ever international match played in the nature isle.

Chasing 247 for victory, the Windies wobbled to 194 all out from 43.4 overs at the newest international venue in the Caribbean – the Chinese funded and built Windsor Park – to hand the visitors a 1-0 lead in the three-match Digicel Series.

Left arm spinner Abdur Razzak who picked up 4 for 39, delivered critical wickets for his team’s jaunty performance and was appropriately rewarded with the Man of the Match prize. In his first over – the second of the innings – he sent back debutant daredevil opener Dale Richards for 1. After opening the bowling alongside medium pacer Sayed Rasel (8-0-30-1) Razzak returned later to bowl the second debutant, Travis Dowlin, for 10 and when Darren Sammy was engineering a late order rally, Razzak trapped him lbw for a boundary less 28 from 38 deliveries.

The 27 year old who is also a member of the IPL’s Bangalore Royal Challengers squad, collected his third career four wicket haul when he claimed his third lbw victim – last man and the third debutant Nelon Pascal for a duck. Pascal’s demise formalised the Windies collapse below 200 despite a composed half century from Grenadian left hander Devon Smith.

With the Windies backed into a corner at 42 for 4, Smith, striking the ball with an almost effortless crispness, combined with David Bernard Jr to put on 78 for the 5th wicket. But when he was adjudged lbw for 65 (84b, 3x4) the innings took a nose dive and never recovered to seriously threaten the Bangladeshis who were clinical in completing the victory.

Bernard continued his excellent form with the bat, getting 38 (62b, 3x4) to add to his three half centuries in the recently completed Digicel Test Series which Bangladesh won 2-0.

After Richards fell in the second over, wicketkeeper Andre Fletcher was bowled by Rasel in the third, and captain Floyd Reifer continued his unpleasant parade with the bat when he miscued an on drive and was caught at point for 3. The score was then reduced to 23 for 3 and the run chase was stuck in a rut.

A 41 run seventh wicket partnership between Sammy and Rawl Lewis (21) revived the innings later on but the Windies had dug themselves too deep a hole.

In the first half of the day, Roach, playing in only his third ODI, bagged a career best 5 for 44 as he led the Windies bowling in restricting the Tigers to what should have been a manageable total but which proved to be beyond the Windies’ reach.

Out of form batsman Mohammad Ashraful scratched around for a top score of 57 from 95 balls with five fours and captain Shakib Al Hasan extended his batting form from the Test matches to hit a controlled 54 from 60 balls with three fours. Having also bowled eight overs for 26 runs and dismissing Smith, Shakib would have been a strong contender for the Man of the Match award.

The critical innings for Bangladesh though was a rapid 42 from 39 deliveries by all rounder Mahmudullah who spanked two fours and two sixes as he aided in pushing the Bangladeshi score towards the 250 mark. His 79 run sixth wicket partnership in exactly 11 overs with Shakib is what transformed their total from being merely modest to competitive on the slow pitch. Despite Windies coach John Dyson calling for pace and head curator Richard LeTang promising to respond, the pitch was disappointingly leisurely and it was no surprise that both teams played their full complement of slower bowlers.

Roach did not let the lack of pace deter him though as he took the wicket of Tamim Iqbal with the first delivery of the match, and like Razzak, returned and broke partnerships at vital junctures. He is the only bowler who has consistently caused the Bangladeshi batsmen discomfort of any kind. While the medium pacers and spinners bowl competently they are not causing the batsmen alarm or nervous spells.

After the early loss of Tamim, Junaid Siddique (36) and Ashraful added 74 in 16.4 overs to lay the foundation which Shakib and Mahmudullah capitalized on later, despite a spirited bowling performance from Bernard whose 10 overs cost only 31 runs and he also pocketed Siddique’s wicket.

The Tigers have now extended their win streak to four matches on the tour after triumphing in both Digicel Tests and the warm up game against the Vice Chancellor’s XI. The Second Digicel ODI will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.

Ball Dogs take early lead in GFA Premier League

GFA NEWS

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, July 27, 2009 – Ball Dogs FC took an early lead in the Premier League of the Grenada Football Association (GFA) with a convincing victory on the weekend.

Ball Dogs defeated former champions G.B.S.S. FC 4-0 in the second game of a double header at the National Stadium on Saturday. The win gives Ball Dogs a superior goal difference in the points standing.

In the earlier game, Tempe All Blacks FC and St. Paul’s FC played to a 1-1 draw in a second division encounter.

On Sunday, defending champions Hurricanes FC edged past another former champion Paradise FC 3-2 at Alston George Park in Victoria, St. Mark.

The other match played featured a home derby between Queen’s Park Rangers FC and Fonetnoy United DC at the National Stadium. Rangers recorded a convincing 3-0 win to sit behind Ball Dogs in the standings.

The other game, a second division fixture between New Hampshire FC and Combined Northerners FC didn’t play.

Friday, July 24, 2009

PRIME MINISTER ACCEPTS RESIGNATION FROM ATTORNEY GENERAL

Office of the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Thomas said while he regrets the circumstances, his decision was based on his commitment to keep his promises to the people of Grenada to restore high ethical standards, procedures, practices and integrity in public office.

Mr. Thomas reaffirmed his government’s commitment to good governance and transparency in public office and respect for the independence of institutions.

“On behalf of the government, I wish to thank Mr. Bristol for his contribution to Grenada over the past year,” the Prime Minister said.

Lamenting the poor state of sports reporting in Grenada

by Michael Bascombe

It wasn’t surprising that when junior track stars Kirani James and Nickhelia John and their coach recently returned to Grenada from the IAAF World Youth Championships in Italy to a reception at the Maurice Bishop International Airport that local media attention immediately shifted from the athletes’ performances to the non-appearance of the youngsters' parents at the welcome home.

Ironically, the same media which deemed James and John’s exploits insufficient and unworthy of consideration for the lead story in their newscasts or on their newspaper front pages, attempted to create a storm in a teacup over the absence of the parents.

On this note, the Grenada Athletics Association must be commended for taking the bold step of apologizing to the parents for the obviously unintentional omission that occurred at the MBIA reception.

Lest the media forget, it was just two months ago that a group of athletes, led by world champion Kirani James, assembled in the same area after the Junior CARIFTA Games, minus the parents. There was no public outcry then.

It brings me to the point I have been making over the past few years that support for our sportsmen and women is pathetic and insincere. We love to bask in the glory of these aspiring icons and loathe to honour them.

The fact that Kirani James grew up in a very tough neighbourhood called “Gun Battle” in the parish of St. John is more reason why the media should also highlight the positivity of his exploits. James’ triumph over adversity should become a regular part of sports coverage and not limited to moments of glory at events like the IAAF World Youth Championships.

Sadly, sensationalism is the order of the day and it’s playing a major role in determining the quality of the journalism profession.

As a matter of fact a sports administrator said that a journalist showed more interest when he faked a story about a youth chopping another in the Gun Battle community. “The journalist was hungry for more details and persons that could be contacted. The same journalist showed no similar interest, though, in checking the IAAF website to get details about Kirani,” the administrator said.

The latest example of the sensational trend in sports reporting occurred when a local television titled its headline sports story, “Football season opens in front of empty stands.” No effort was made to find out why the format for the opening of the season was changed. Even though two games were played as indicated in the brief story, no effort was made to provide the scores.

But who must be blamed for this poor state of sports reporting in Grenada? Media managers must take full responsibility since they have failed to take remedial action over the years.

As late as seven years ago the Grenada Broadcasting Network had two full-time sports reporters under the management of Hamlet Mark, Troy Garvey and Richard Purcell. They received quarterly and sometimes monthly updates on sporting events for possible live coverage on the network. Unfortunately, that practice ended with their departure and no attempts were made to permanently fill the void.

I am not aware of any full-time sports reporters at any of the other media houses – electronic or print.

I am appealing to media managers to tap the services and expertise of people like Alvin Clouden (photography), Ian “Flyers” Redhead, Trevor Thwaites, Ray Roberts, Harold Pysadee, Rawle Titus, Michael Bascombe, Irvine Simon, Hamlet Mark, Derek Seon, Cheney Joseph, Pele Darbeau, Anthony “Jericho” Greenidge, Paul Roberts, Selwin Noel, Carlos Thomas, Stephenson Worme, Lester Smith, Claudius George, Lincoln “Toro” Depradine, among others. All of these individuals were instrumental in the development of sports reporting in the ‘80s and early ‘90s.

There used to be special media features dedicated to sports such as The weekly Sunday Sports programme, organised by the Department of Sports and hosted by Carlos Thomas, the annual “Brain of Sports” Quiz Contest hosted by Ray Roberts and the weekly Saturday Sports Special hosted by a number of sports journalists over the years. Now, the main programme is Sunday Sports hosted by New York-based Harold Pysadee.

And despite the latter providing the content free to radio stations, by and large Harold's efforts go unnoticed and unappreciated.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Knowsley baboons with car roof luggage

A group of baboons at a safari park in the United Kingdom swarmed a car in a demonstration to show how easily they can open a roof-top luggage carriers. The baboons at the Knowsley safari park, have learned how to open the rooftop carriers. Staff at the park staged this demonstration to show how easily the primates can help themselves to visitor's luggage. The park's manager says the biggest baboon bounces on the box to break the lock, then the other baboons grab the luggage inside. The park has banned the roof-top luggage carriers as a result of these types of incidents.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

OECS Secretariat sends Tamiflu to Member States to help combat the H1N1 or swine flu virus.

OECS Secretariat, Castries, Saint Lucia July 22nd , 2009 The OECS Secretariat has shipped supplies of a special antiviral medicine known as Tamiflu to all OECS Member States for combating the H1N1 or swine flu virus.

The Secretariat’s Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (OECSPPS) purchased the medicines from a top quality generic supplier in India and distributed them to all OECS Member Countries.

The OECSPPS says twenty thousand Tamiflu tablets and two thousand bottles of the suspension for children were purchased as a proactive approach to help care for adults and children should they be infected by the H1N1 or swine flu virus. The total value is one hundred and six (106) thousand EC dollars.

Head of the OECSPPS Francis Burnett says the Tamiflu medication was purchased through an emergency fund established a few years ago: “This sum of money was extracted from our Disaster Fund. The OECS PPS allocated up to 300 thousand EC dollars for an emergency supply of medicines to safeguard public health in the OECS countries. So out of our Disaster Fund we decided to allocate one hundred and six thousand dollars for the procurement of the antiviral medicine Tamiflu.”

The World Health Organization has designated the H1N1 or swine flu outbreak a global pandemic and at least four OECS member countries to date have reported one or more cases of the swine flue virus: “We have been following the spread of the virus and once we recognize that more and more countries were being affected by the virus, we decided upfront to take the proactive approach and to purchase these medicines. We also had an approach by the Pan-American Health Orginzation PAHO who offered to procure some of the Tamiflu from the stockpile in Mexico and we decided to play our part to safe guard public health in the OECS Countries.”

The OECS PPS which purchases medicines in bulk for OECS Member States says the Tamiflu tablets are stocked at all government pharmacies in the OECS and are available only through a prescription. Tamiflu is the brand name of the medication for which the scientific name is Oseltamivir.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Grenada Day in Brooklyn, NY

BROOKLYN, NY, July 19, 2009 – Hundreds of Grenadians took advantage of a warm Sunday to attend the first ever Grenada Day celebrations in New York.

The activity, was organised by the newly formed Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique United (GRENCAP) in collaboration with the Grenada Consulate in New York, was attended by a number of prominent Grenadians living in the tri-state area including past and present members of the diplomatic community and two government ministers – Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Peter David and Sports Minister Patrick Simmons.

There were also cultural performances including recital of poems by Wendell DeRiggs and top calypsonians – King Ajamu, Lady Mac, Berbice, Val Adams, among others. The drummers and moko jumbies also featured during the evening.

Appreciation to Kirani & Albert

Photos taken by Anthony "Jericho" Greenidge and posted via Blackberry

Friday, July 17, 2009

Paris Golden League 2009 - M-100m Bolt 9.79

PARIS, France, July 17, 2009 - Usain Bolt of Jamaica wins the men's 100m at the Paris Golden League on Friday. Rick Broadbent, Athletic Correspondent, in Paris - Times Online If the rest of the world’s sprinters have all but thrown in the towel, Usain Bolt must just hope to finish a race without one. He provided another remarkable, explosive cocktail of power, pace and panache last night and clocked 9.79sec in the Paris rain at the fourth Golden League meeting of the year. “It was like flying,” he said. It is testament to his freakish speed that it seems almost inconceivable that the world record will not tumble this summer, and, given Bolt’s penchant for drama, probably in the final at the World Championships in Berlin next month. It is just as mind-boggling that this was only the fifth-fastest 100 metres that Bolt has run, that it came into a slight headwind and that the triple Olympic champion admitted he is still a poor starter. “My reaction time was poor,” he shrugged after topping the bill. “It’s something I have to work on in the next few weeks. That’s life. Things don’t ever happen the way you want.” That seemed a trifle begrudging given he has been living a dream since Beijing. And while he may have a genuine rival this season in Tyson Gay, whose 9.77 is still the fastest time of 2009, Bolt has the unique ability to make the unfeasible seem ordinary. It was not as if he beat a bunch of fall guys last night. Richard Thompson was second in Beijing but was a quarter of a second adrift. Simeon Williamson, the new UK champion, was sixth in 10.14. That might look lame alongside Bolt’s latest hit, but given the atrocious conditions, Williamson may well make good on his ambition to dip below 10sec before long. Bolt, though, remains the top dog and the rest have to make do, which may well be why Ivory Williams, the former world junior champion, has named his pitbull after himself. “I know people love me so I try every time to be at my best,” Bolt said. “In these conditions the time is great.” The rain has been following Bolt this summer. From crashing his car in it in Jamaica to running a stunning 150 metres in a sodden Manchester, he has proved a man for all seasons. A sunny day in Berlin might push the event’s boundaries to breaking point. Britain’s Phillips Idowu is also looking for his day in the sun in Germany. “Gold is always the target,” he said after winning the triple jump with a leap of 17.17 metres in the Stade de France. “I have worked too damn hard to go there setting my heart on silver. I know it is going to be tough but I can’t envisage anything else but the gold.” Harry Aikines-Aryeetey got one of those at the European Under-23 Championships in Lithuania. The 20-year-old Briton set a season’s best 10.15sec to lead a British clean sweep, with Leevan Yearwood and Ron Pierre completing the podium. Although Aikines-Aryeetey was only fourth at the trials, his time puts him in with a chance of selection for the World Championships. Only Williamson has secured his place for what will be another Bolt-fest.

Time for a National Sports Policy

EDITORIAL – Grenada Advocate Newspaper - July 17, 2009

The time has come and is going quickly for the government to develop a national sports policy which would ensure a level playing field for our sportsmen and women.

The recent contrasting performances by our national sportsmen and women are more reasons why the national sports policy is needed urgently.

Congratulations are in order for the achievements of Kirani James and Nichkelia John and their coach Albert Joseph at the 6th IAAF World Youth Championships in Italy last week. Kirani has shown that dedication and hard work blended with his calmness are good qualities for his success. Coach Joseph must also be commended for his commitment to his athletes.

The National Under-23 netballers also gave a good account of themselves in the OECS Tournament in Nevis, although they felt short of retaining the title, and our national footballers learned a valuable lesson of preparing adequately for the “big league”.

This should give notice to the authorities that our sportsmen and women should be given the necessary encouragement and incentives to compete against some of the world’s best.

The NDC Administration, in its five-point agenda, promised to establish an Incentives and Rewards System and a National Sports Council to oversee the formulation of a national sports policy. The latter is significantly important since it provides the enabling environment to ensure the proper nurturing of our athletes from an early stage.

The long overdue sports policy will ensure that our national associations are governed properly and guarantee their adherence to all the policy guidelines. It would also ensure that our athletes are given the attention deserved in preparing for regional and international tournaments.

The government must also revisit its promise of establishing an Incentives and Rewards System. It says that “Our approach will be to provide suitable compensation to sports people who represent Grenada in various disciplines. This will range from financial packages to employment offers, and assistance in cases of injury and sickness”.

What has happened to the promises following Grenada’s runners-up position in the Caribbean Cup in Jamaica last December and the completion of the Junior CARIFTA Games in St. Lucia in April?

The government must adhere to its promises made to these individuals who are routinely representing this country at the regional and international levels. We cannot only remember them when they strike gold or win a championship.

Our Under-23 netballers had to embark on their own fundraising activities to participate in the tournament in Nevis this month. Likewise our footballers had to settle for a sub-standard facility to play their only competitive warm-up friendly ahead of their debut participation in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Tournament.

In addition, it was frightening to hear from some of the footballers how frustrating it was for them to learn that their association had to pay departure tax for every member of the national football team even though a request was made for an exemption.

It’s time that the government examines the important role that sports can play in the development – both physically and economically – of our country.

Let us rally around these new aspiring icons who are continuing to carve a niche in our sporting history.

NB: guest editorial was written exclusively for the Grenada Advocate newspaper by veteran sports journalist Michael Bascombe.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

STATEMENT FROM THE GRENADA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The Grenada Athletic Association (GAA) sincerely apologises to all concerned, especially to the parents of Kirani James and Nichelia John for the unfortunate circumstances which led to their inability to participate in the welcoming ceremony for the returning athletes, at the VIP Lounge, Maurice Bishop International Airport on Tuesday, 14th July, 2009.

This situation is regrettable and does not reflect the policy of the GAA towards our athletes and their parents. This was due to a communication breakdown for which we offer our earnest apologies.

The GAA holds the parents of our national sports men and women in high esteem, as we acknowledge, understand and appreciate the tremendous sacrifices they make in the development of their children and sports in general.

In this regard, we also fully appreciate the supportive role of the community in the development of our athletes.

While the circumstances of Tuesday’s activity cannot be reversed, the GAA is committed to ensuring that our national athletes, who perform well at the international level, get the opportunity to celebrate with their family during official ceremonies planned in their honour.

Charles A.R. George

President

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Kirani James World Youths 2009 - 200m

Kirani James in action during the 6th IAAF World Youth Championships in Italy on Sunday July 12, 2009. James copped the double when he won the boys' 200m in 21.05 seconds, two days after winning the 400m in a championship record of 45.24 seconds just 0.11 seconds off the world youth record.

Kirani James World youth 2009 - 400m

Kirani James in action during the 6th IAAF World Youth Championships in Italy on Friday July 10, 2009. James won the boys' 400m in a championship record of 45.24 seconds just 0.11 seconds off the world youth record.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Our sportsmen and women deserve better

by Michael Bascombe

It was a disappointing start to a journey – exiting the first round of the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup Tournament but not the end of the road for football in Grenada.

The national team’s baptism in this confederation championship came with a heavy toll – conceding 10 goals in three games.

Grenada were the smallest team ever to qualify for the Gold Cup. They did well to get here, so with luck they won’t go home too disappointed despite the lack of points and no goals scored.

For those who have followed the current form of the Gold Cup would recalled that Canada’s baptism in 1993 was a 8-0 drubbing from Mexico among other shut outs that saw them exiting after the first round. Cuba got seven from Costa Rica in 1998, Jamaica received five from Honduras in 1991 and suffered heavy losses in that first round. Martinique took 9-0 from Mexico in their first appearance while SVG also suffered 5-0 defeat to Mexico in their only appearance in 1996.

Coach Tommy Taylor and his coaching staff – Kellon Baptiste, Andrew Munro, Kerlon Peters and Jerry Alexis must be commended for their professional approach in leading one of the youngest teams in the tournament.

The performance against Honduras was a better effort than previous engagements with the United States and Haiti.

It’s now up to the Grenada Football Association to move forward on its programme, involving coach Taylor and the cadre of coaches who are committed to the development of football on the island.

We can’t expect to create excitement only when our teams or individuals win a tournament or a medal. There are too many “Monday Morning Quarterbacks” who don’t understand that in sports all participants are winners.

Our appreciation to national sportsmen and women are bordering on hypocrisy and only when there is something to cheer about.

The Olympic Games in Beijing were only a year ago and our track and field athletes gave a commendable performance but we don’t hear about them even though there are those who are still competing on the professional circuit – Neisha Bernard-Thomas, Randy Lewis and Patricia Sylvester are among those in competition almost weekly.

Only last month the NCAA Track and Field season completed and we had a couple of athletes competing in final events.

Alleyne Francique, in only his first season as a coach with Texas A&M, won the women’s NCAA title. Where is the congratulatory message to him?

Only last year we were crazy over Lewis Hamilton. Strangely, he is still racing but not doing too well so all the excitement has ended. Where is the encouragement to him?

Our National Under-23 netballers returned home about a week ago after failing to retain their title at the OECS Championship. Where is the congratulatory message to them?

Our national footballers reached the final of the Caribbean Cup in Jamaica last December and there was a government representative sitting in the Kingston Stadium, followed by tons of congratulations.

However, the footballers and officials turned “villains” overnight as they struggled to get a sub-standard field to play an international friendly; they had to dig into their pockets to pay departure taxes to represent the country at the most coveted tournament in the confederation.

Ironically, the same facility which was unavailable to the footballers to play Panama about three weeks ago was used a few days ago for a gospel concert.

At least the State could show some form of appreciation.

We can’t allow petty and personal differences to hinder our progress.

Congratulations to Kirani James, Nichkelia John and coach Albert Joseph on a job well done in Italy. There are those who have followed your exploits from start to finish and appreciate your achievements.

I expect everyone to enjoy the “Kirani-ism” for this week. Probably, welcome home ceremonies, motorcades, etc. But what happens after the dust is settled?

We must ensure that when our national sportsmen and women are leaving the shores to represent our island that they get a proper send-off and encouragement. We must rally behind them in victory or defeat.

They are amateurs sometimes competing against professionals, and their efforts must be commended.

I would want to agree with one of my colleagues who has suggested that we embark on a National Appreciation Day for our sportsmen and women. Probably something the authorities may want to consider while they shuffle on the National Sports Policy.